The first thing I see when I look out my window is my flag of the United States of America blowing in the breeze. Often, I will sit and gaze at the flag - great focus for thinking. These are my musings and ramblings, and, on occasion, rants... I am unapologetic in my support of our military, our country and my devotion to God. I will honor them and pay tribute to them here.
Along the side bar you will find tributes to Oregon's fallen warriors.

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

William F Buckley, Jr. - 82 - passed away today at his home in Stamford, Connecticutt, a year after the passing of his beloved wife, Pat.

Mr. Buckley, the Conservative Godfather, was an author, journalist, television personality (our first television pundit-and, still no one does it as well as he), harpsichordist, trans-oceanic sailor, and founder of the National Review.

It seems a Buckley column, book, magazine or the television show, Firing Line, was always around. Most of my life Mr. Buckley has been in it in one way or another. There were many things to learn from Mr. Buckley, but I learned that being intelligent and serious did not eliminate being personable and of good cheer.

There will be many pieces written today about Mr Buckley, and I urge you to read them and capture the essence of a man that is so much a part of the fabric of our nation. You will see words like intellectual, revered, talented, humorous, force. I would also urge you to read some of his books - both spy fiction and non-fiction.

“America has lost one of its sharpest intellects and truest patriots today. William F. Buckley has been a guiding light for the conservative movement for over half a century. He was an inspiration to millions and a personal hero of mine. Buckley’s passing reminds us that a generation of great Americans who built the modern conservative movement are leaving us, but thankfully their philosophical underpinnings are not. Standing on the shoulders of giants is an enormous responsibility; it is left to new generations of conservatives to do just that by carrying the banner of freedom and liberty forward.”

“Debbie and I offer our deepest condolences to the Buckley family, his friends and his colleagues, who are all in our thoughts and prayers.”

1 comment:

The thing that most impressed me about WFB... and there was much to be impressed with... was his capacity to respect and befriend his ideological opponents. In other words, there was a civility about the man that is sorely lacking in most of our pundits and so-called "intellectuals" today, on both sides of the political divide. That frickin' Coulter person comes immediately to MY mind as the classic example.